This course looks at the development of CBRN weapons and assesses the appeal of such weapons to terrorist and related actors. Case study analysis of prior attacks and plots will be used to assess terrorist decision-making and capability in this area and to examine how they acquire and fabricate materials. Also assessed will be the effectiveness of government countermeasures in countering and mitigating the CBRN threat.  

 

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 07 - 11 Dec 2026
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield University at Shrivenham
  • CostShort course £2,475

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Critically analyse the nature and scientific basis of CBRN terrorism threats, including with regard to the production, delivery and impact of such weapons,
  • Critically evaluate and assess the risk factors associated with CBRN terrorism including those related to decision-making processes, capability, resources, sponsorship, intent and ideology,
  • Examine and critically assess several case studies of CBRN terrorism attacks and plots,
  • Critically evaluate the evidence base used to understand CBRN terrorism as well as the countermeasures for preventing and mitigating such attacks,
  • Assess and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of government agency and international responses and countermeasures to CBRN terrorism.

Core content

  • Terrorist attack planning and decision-making,
  • Barriers and facilitators to terrorist use of CBRN weapons,
  • Psychological elements to CBRN attacks,
  • Case study analysis,
  • Detection of CBRN operations,
  • Preventing CBRN attacks,
  • Mitigation of CBRN threats,
  • Future risk of CBRN terrorism.

Credits towards further study

Important notice

Please note we will not be taking registrations for the below courses (MSc, PgDip and PgCert) from the 2026-2027 academic year onwards:

Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Forensic Investigation
Digital Forensics
Counterterrorism, Security and Resilience

This means that we are no longer in a position to transfer credit associated with modules from these courses to Cranfield degree awards. We continue, however, to be able to support credit transfer to other university awards, subject to acceptance by the receiving institution.

This short course forms part of Counterterrorism, Security and Resilience and when successfully completed as an accredited short course you will gain 10 Cranfield learning credits.

Find out more about accredited short courses.

Speakers



Location and travel

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) is a Cranfield School based at the Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders.
Shrivenham itself lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, close to the M4 motorway which links London and South Wales. It is 7 miles from Swindon, the nearest town, which lies off the M4 at the hub of Britain’s motorway network.

Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Oxford are all within an hour’s drive and London less than two hours away by car.
All visitors must be pre-booked in at reception by the person they are visiting on the campus.

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Apply now

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.